Crepes Florentine Recipe

Bring this spectacular appetizer to the table to cut into wedges, and you'll receive many compliments on the presentation! The rich Mornay-sauced spinach and creamy mushroom mixtures are beautifully layered between crepes.#151;Sue A. Jurack, Mequon, Wisconsin

For filling, in a large saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg until smooth; gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat to low; stir in the cream and 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.

In a skillet, saute mushrooms and shallot in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and egg until smooth. Beat in mushroom mixture. Add enough cheese sauce to achieve a spreadable consistency. In a large bowl, combine the spinach and 1/2 cup cheese sauce until blended. Add additional sauce if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.

To assemble, on two greased 9-in. ovenproof pie or tart pans, layer a crepe, spinach mixture, another crepe, then mushroom mixture. Repeat five more times. Pour remaining sauce over the stacks. Sprinkle with remaining Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. Dot with remaining butter. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before baking. Bake at 350°; for 55-60 minutes or until bubbly and golden and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Cut into wedges.Yield: 8-12 servings.

Test Kitchen Tip This dish can also be served at a brunch, luncheon or as a very special side dish.
Be sure to use an attractive ovenproof plate so it can be brought from the oven right to the table. The crepes can be made in advance and frozen, and the dish can be assembled the morning of your party.

Originally published as Crepes Florentine in Test Kitchen Favorites 2004
2005, p24